A :
B :
C :
D :
E :
F :
G :
H :
I :
J :
K :
L :
M :
N :
O :
P :
Q :
R :
S :
T :
U :
V :
W :
X :
Y :
Z
Umbilical Hernia
Medical Questions » Umbilical Hernia
| Name: Umbilical Hernia |
| Also known as: |
| Protrusion of the gut under the skin of the navel. There are two forms: In children, there is a hole between the muscle layers of the abdomen where the arteries and veins that passed down the umbilical cord from the mother entered the baby. This hole normally closes quickly after birth, but in some children the hole is very large, or is slow to close. In these cases, bulging of the intestine into the area just below the skin of the umbilicus can occur. In adults, the hernia is not strictly speaking an umbilical hernia, but a paraumbilical hernia, as the rupture occurs not immediately underneath the umbilicus but in the slightly weakened fibrous tissue just above (more common) or below the navel. They steadily increase in size with time. |
Causes of Umbilical Hernia
Children: more common in premature babies, as the processes involved in closing the hole behind the umbilicus are slower. Adults: common in women who have had multiple pregnancies, in the very obese and those who have other causes of excess pressure in the abdomen. |
Symptoms of Umbilical Hernia
Children: hernia bulges out while the infant is crying or active, but usually disappears when the child is lying quietly. The hernia almost never gives pain or discomfort to the child. Adults: large hernias can contain a significant amount of intestine and may cause discomfort and constipation. |
Tests for Umbilical Hernia
None necessary. |
Treatment for Umbilical Hernia
Children: vast majority close spontaneously within twelve months but may take until three years of age. If the hernia persists, surgery may be necessary. Adults: Small paraumbilical hernias are repaired surgically when discovered, as delay may lead to a larger hernia and more difficult repair later. In older patients with particularly large hernias, surgical repair may not be practical.
|
Complications of Umbilical Hernia of its treatment
Rarely the intestine may become trapped in the hernia, very painful and gangrenous. If this occurs, emergency surgery is essential. |
Likely Outcome of Umbilical Hernia
The recurrence rate after surgery depends upon the original size of the hernia, but is generally low. |
|
|
